Fluoropolymers: per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) for Essential Uses

Per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are anthropogenic derivatives divided into two main categories based on their molar mass: i) those having low molar masses (<1000 g.mol -1 ) cross the human membranes and are toxic, bioaccumulative and persistent, while many of them are water-soluble and thus mobile; ii) others of much higher molar masses, e.g., fluorinated macromolecules and especially fluoropolymers (FPs) are reliable, safe, do not have such above issues, do not cross the membranes and fulfil the 13 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development criteria of Polymers of Low Concern. Because of their remarkable properties, they have found a wide variety of applications in medical sectors or as high value-added materials and items (optics, spatial, automotive, electronics, energy sectors, etc…). Because the former category has induced severe contaminations, regulating agencies in Europe (REACH) and USA (EPA) decided to restrict fluorinated derivatives On May, 25th, 2026, a recent consultation generated more than 3,500 answers. This updated review on the overall situation of PFAS aims at showing the real needs of FPs for many essential uses while no alternatives, able to resist to demanding requirements, have been found yet. Furthermore, main industrial actors manufacturing FPs, their actions versus PFAS regulations and markets are presented and discussed.